أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ غَضَبِهِ وَعِقَابِهِ، وَمِنْ شَرِّ عِبَادِهِ، وَمِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيَاطِينِ وَأَنْ يَحْضُرُونِ
I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from His anger and His punishment, and from the evil of His servants, and from the temptations of devils, and from their presence.
A'udhu bikalimatillahit-tammati min ghadabihi wa 'iqabihi, wa min sharri 'ibadihi, wa min hamazatish-shayatin wa an yahduru'n.
When to Read
This powerful dua is particularly beneficial when engaging in Tahajjud, the voluntary night prayer. As you prepare to stand before Allah in the quiet hours, when Satan is known to be most active in whispering doubts and distractions, reciting this protects your worship and ensures your focus remains on your Lord. It's also fitting to recite before sleeping, as it offers comprehensive protection throughout the night.
How to Read
Recite this dua with sincere conviction, understanding that Allah's words are a shield. Raise your hands slightly, as you would during supplication, and recite it with a clear intention of seeking Allah's protection from all evil. Imagine the perfect words of Allah enveloping you like a fortress, keeping all harm at bay.
Virtues & Benefits
This supplication is a shield against the tangible and intangible evils that can afflict us, especially during the vulnerable hours of the night. It safeguards against the anger and punishment of Allah by seeking refuge in His perfect words. More specifically for Tahajjud, it is a direct plea against the whisperings and presence of Shaytan, helping to maintain the purity and focus of your worship. By reciting it, you are actively invoking Allah's immense power to deter evil influences, allowing you to connect with Him more profoundly during your night prayers.
Source & Authentication
Narrated by Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to seek refuge in Allah with these words: أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ غَضَبِهِ وَعِقَابِهِ، وَمِنْ شَرِّ عِبَادِهِ، وَمِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيَاطِينِ وَأَنْ يَحْضُرُونِ Translation: 'I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from His anger and His punishment, and from the evil of His servants, and from the temptations of devils, and from their presence.' (Reported by Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, and Ahmad. Tirmidhi said it is Hasan Gharib.)